Effectiveness of School-Based Deworming and Malaria Treatment in Zimbabwe
Author Information
Author(s): Midzi Nicholas, Mtapuri-Zinyowera Sekesai, Sangweme Davison, Paul Noah H, Makware Godfrey, Mapingure Munyaradzi P, Brouwer Kimberly C, Mudzori James, Hlerema Gibson, Chadukura Vivian, Mutapi Francisca, Kumar Nirbhay, Mduluza Takafira
Primary Institution: National Institute of Health Research, Zimbabwe
Hypothesis
Can integrated school-based deworming and prompt malaria treatment effectively reduce helminths-Plasmodium co-infections in primary school children?
Conclusion
The study found that biannual integrated school-based antihelminthic and sustained prompt malaria treatment can significantly reduce the burden of helminths-Plasmodium co-infections in primary school children.
Supporting Evidence
- Two rounds of treatment significantly reduced the prevalence of S. haematobium by 75.9% in the commercial farming area.
- The prevalence of P. falciparum decreased from 28.3% at baseline to 8.1% at 33 months.
- Co-infection rates for schistosomiasis and STHs decreased significantly after treatment.
- Health education improved children's recognition of malaria symptoms and treatment seeking behavior.
- Absence of treatment between follow-ups led to a rebound in infection rates.
Takeaway
Giving kids medicine to treat worms and malaria together can help them stay healthier and avoid getting sick from both at the same time.
Methodology
A cohort of primary schoolchildren received combined Praziquantel and albendazole treatment at baseline, and again during 6, 12, and 33 months follow-up surveys, with sustained prompt malaria treatment throughout the study.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to lack of control group and reliance on self-reported treatment seeking behavior.
Limitations
The study did not have an untreated control arm, which may affect the interpretation of results.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 5-17 years from rural and commercial farming areas in Zimbabwe, with a mean age of 10.1 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI reported for various prevalence rates
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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